If you’re searching for a hearty, nostalgic meal full of flavor and warmth, look no further than Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole. This classic comfort food dish is the stuff of cherished family dinners, combining tender chicken, creamy rice, and a rich blend of savory soups. Its irresistible aroma signals that something wonderful is baking in the oven, and its creamy texture and satisfying flavors never fail to please a hungry table. Whether you’re serving it to your loved ones on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to earn you rave reviews and requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole lies in its simplicity: every ingredient plays an important role, contributing to its luscious taste, soft texture, or that golden, bubbling finish. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need in your kitchen to whip up this beloved family favorite.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Ensure the chicken is cut evenly for consistent cooking and juicy bites throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked): Long-grain rice fluffs up beautifully and absorbs the savory flavors without becoming mushy.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds depth and the classic creamy backbone that makes this casserole comforting.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Lends an earthiness and rich umami, enriching every forkful.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup: Provides a subtle vegetal note and even more silky texture.
- 1½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth: Broth amps up the flavor, while water keeps the casserole lighter—pick whichever you prefer!
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces): Melts over the top for a glossy finish and hint of richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a fragrant kick and savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the flavor base and enhances the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing everything together, but adjust if your broth or soups are very salty.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A simple way to balance the creamy richness with a little heat.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with color and a pop of freshness.
How to Make Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, oil, or nonstick spray. This ensures every glorious scoop of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole lifts out easily — and you’ll have a much easier time with cleanup later.
Step 2: Spread the Rice
Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This layer forms the foundation of the casserole, soaking up all the aromatic goodness as it bakes. Make sure the rice is level for uniform cooking.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken, mushroom, and celery soups. Pour in the water or low-sodium chicken broth, then add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good whisk until smooth and wonderfully combined — this creamy mixture is what makes Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole so richly satisfying.
Step 4: Pour and Stir
Pour the soup mixture right over the rice in your baking dish. Gently stir to ensure the rice is fully coated and evenly distributed. Doing this step ensures that every grain cooks evenly, absorbing all that incredible flavor as it bakes.
Step 5: Top with Chicken and Butter
Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice and soup mixture. Next, dot the chicken and surface with the small pieces of butter. As the casserole bakes, the butter melts and seeps in, keeping the chicken juicy and lending a silky finish to the rice beneath.
Step 6: Bake Under Foil
Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, letting all the ingredients meld and the chicken cook through. This step is key for a moist, tender finished dish — you’ll know it’s ready when the rice is soft and the chicken is completely cooked.
Step 7: Final Browning Touch
When there’s about 10 minutes of baking left, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. This will give the top a gently golden finish and allow a few little crispy edges to form. If you like your casserole super creamy without any browning, you can skip removing the foil.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for just a few minutes. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley (if you like) for a touch of color and freshness before serving up generous, steaming portions of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole.
How to Serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders for color and a hint of springy flavor. You can also try adding sliced green onions or a dusting of paprika before serving for an extra pop that makes Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Steamed broccoli, honey-glazed carrots, or a simple bowl of peas also make for cheerful, colorful sidekicks on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole in individual ramekins at a dinner party, or use a big family-style baking dish on a buffet. You can also spoon it onto a platter and garnish with extra herbs or even roasted cherry tomatoes for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover portions of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making lunch or dinner the next day almost as exciting as the first round.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers or prep the whole casserole in advance, simply let it cool completely, then transfer portions (or the entire dish) to freezer-safe containers. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F oven until piping hot, about 25 to 30 minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved in a pinch; just add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out, and reheat in one-minute bursts until hot.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You sure can! Just keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. You might want to add an extra 1/2 cup of broth and bake for an extra 20 to 25 minutes, checking for doneness before serving Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken after baking?
If you prefer shredded chicken, simply use two forks to pull it apart right in the casserole dish after it’s cooked. Stirring everything together ensures each spoonful of Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole has tender, juicy chicken throughout.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Stir in up to 2 cups of your favorite diced veggies—think carrots, peas, or broccoli—when you mix the soups and rice. This adds color, bite, and makes Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole a full meal in every scoop.
Is it possible to prepare Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, allow the dish to come to room temperature while the oven heats up and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of canned soup?
If you want to skip the canned soups, make a quick homemade cream sauce by whisking together butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth with sautéed onions, mushrooms, or celery. Use about 3 cups of this mixture in place of the canned soups for a fresher spin on Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra special about sharing a meal that tastes like home. Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole delivers big on nostalgia, comfort, and flavor. Whether you’re passing down a family tradition or starting a new one, I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular at your table!
Print
Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious classic dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful rice, and creamy soups in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
For the Soup Mixture:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Rice: Spread uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Mix Soup: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken, mushroom, and celery soups with the water or chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the soup mixture over the rice and stir gently to combine. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Dot the top with butter pieces.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to lightly brown the top, if desired.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- For a creamier texture, add ½ cup sour cream to the soup mixture.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
